Role of UP minister unclear, cop suspended

The role of Jamuna Prasad Nishad in the violence at Kotwali Maharajganj, has not been probed though 12 of the accused have been arrested.

The role of former UP minister Jamuna Prasad Nishad in the violence at Kotwali Maharajganj, which resulted in the killing of a constable, has not been probed though 12 of the accused have been arrested.

Speaking to reporters, DGP (UP) Vikram Singh said that nobody was above the law and that Nishad would not be spared if found guilty. He said the Gorakhpur Range DIG has been asked to probe the role of policemen for the delay in lodging the case of rape, and also look into the victim’s contradictory statement.

Singh said also Gorakhpur Zone IG would ensure there was a fresh probe into the rape and violence at the police station, adding that the real culprits would be behind bars soon.

Singh said the violence at the police station was caused by an angry mob of villagers, who claimed the police had removed the section of rape (376 IPC) from the FIR lodged by local on June 5, alleging rape of his daughter.

Vikram Singh said the role of the investigating officer in the case, sub-inspector Munni Ram, was dubious as the victim’s statement recorded by him ruled out the allegation while that given before the magistrate confirmed the rape.

The report of the medical examination conducted earlier and another by a medical board were also contradictory.

Sub-inspector Ram has been suspended. A report has also been sent to the government to initiate action against the government doctor who conducted the earlier medical examination and manipulated the report.